A United Nations-backed Global Methane Status Report 2025 was released on November 17, 2025 at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, identifying India as a significant global hotspot for methane emissions driven by crop-residue burning (stubble burning). India is the world's third-largest methane emitter after China and the United States, producing approximately 31 million tonnes per year. The G20 nations collectively account for 65% of global methane emissions. India's agricultural methane — from livestock (primary source), rice cultivation, and stubble burning — contributes about 12% of global agricultural methane. The report warned that India's rice cultivation methane could increase by 8% by 2030 due to climate-driven crop pattern shifts. India's national statement at COP30 delivered by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav made no mention of methane, reflecting the absence of a dedicated methane policy framework in India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). India has not signed the Global Methane Pledge to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030. The report recommended investing in decentralised biogas and Compressed Biogas (CBG) infrastructure to turn agricultural waste into clean energy while curbing open-field burning. In Rajasthan, while large-scale stubble burning is less prevalent than in Punjab or Haryana, livestock-related methane (especially from cattle and camels) is a significant contributor to the state's greenhouse gas profile.
Global Methane Status Report 2025 at COP30: India Flagged as Major Methane Hotspot from Crop Residue Burning
A United Nations-backed Global Methane Status Report 2025 was released on November 17, 2025 at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, identifying India as a significant global hotspot for methane emissions driven by crop-residue burning (stubble burning). India is the world's third-largest methane emitter after China and the United States, producing approximately 31 million tonnes per year. The G20 nations collectively account for 65% of global methane emissions. India's agricultural methane — from livestock (primary source), rice cultivation, and stubble burning — contributes about 12% of global agricultural methane. The report warned that India's rice cultivation methane could increase by 8% by 2030 due to climate-driven crop pattern shifts. India's national statement at COP30 delivered by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav made no mention of methane, reflecting the absence of a dedicated methane policy framework in India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). India has not signed the Global Methane Pledge to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030. The report recommended investing in decentralised biogas and Compressed Biogas (CBG) infrastructure to turn agricultural waste into clean energy while curbing open-field burning. In Rajasthan, while large-scale stubble burning is less prevalent than in Punjab or Haryana, livestock-related methane (especially from cattle and camels) is a significant contributor to the state's greenhouse gas profile.
Key facts
- Global Methane Status Report 2025 identified India as a major methane hotspot at COP30.
- India is the world's third-largest methane emitter producing 31 million tonnes annually.
- Agricultural methane from livestock and rice cultivation contributes 12% of global total.
- India has not signed the Global Methane Pledge to cut emissions 30% by 2030.
- Rice cultivation methane could increase 8% by 2030 due to climate-driven crop shifts.
- The report recommended decentralised biogas and CBG infrastructure to curb stubble burning.
6-axis classification
Appears in these topics
Source: PIB
Frequently asked questions
What is the Global Methane Status Report 2025 and where was it released?
The Global Methane Status Report 2025 is a UN-backed assessment of global methane emissions released on November 17, 2025, at COP30 in Belém, Brazil. It tracks country-level methane hotspots, emission trends, and the progress of the Global Methane Pledge, identifying major emitters and recommending mitigation strategies.
What is India's rank in global methane emissions and what are the primary sources?
India is the world's third-largest methane emitter after China and the United States, producing approximately 31 million tonnes per year. The primary sources are agriculture — especially livestock (enteric fermentation) and rice cultivation — followed by crop-residue burning (stubble burning), landfills, and coal mining.
What is the Global Methane Pledge and has India signed it?
The Global Methane Pledge is an international commitment, launched at COP26 in 2021, to collectively reduce methane emissions by at least 30% from 2020 levels by 2030. India has not signed the pledge, citing concerns about placing restrictions on its agricultural sector, particularly livestock, which is a livelihood source for millions of rural households.
Why is stubble burning in India a major methane hotspot and where does it predominantly occur?
Stubble burning — the practice of setting fire to crop residue after harvest — predominantly occurs in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh during the October-November post-harvest season. It releases large quantities of methane, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. The practice persists due to the short window between kharif harvest and rabi sowing, limiting farmer time for alternative residue management.
What solutions did the Global Methane Status Report 2025 recommend for India to reduce agricultural methane?
The report recommended decentralised biogas and Compressed Biogas (CBG) infrastructure as the primary solution for stubble burning, converting crop residue into clean energy instead of burning it. Other recommendations included improved livestock feed to reduce enteric fermentation, alternate wetting and drying (AWD) in rice cultivation, and stronger policy incentives for sustainable agriculture.
Was this useful?
Share corrections or missing exam angles with the editorial team.
Send feedback